Specific cognitive aptitudes and gifted samples

Abstract

This paper explores the way in which the literatures on gifted education and specific cognitive aptitudes can be better integrated and inform one another to advance scientific knowledge. We first briefly review evidence accumulated to date on specific cognitive aptitudes and gifted samples and then explore what might be usefully investigated in the future. We consider measurement issues, value for applied uses of tests, specific cognitive aptitudes beyond what has been focused on to date and conclude with a discussion surrounding cross-field integration using the totality of evidence and consideration of policy. Continued research and better integration of research evidence across domains and translation to policy and practice might correspondingly improve basic scientific understanding of cognitive aptitudes.